1 Cent '1896' Pattern, bronze

J-1768 is one of several experimental cent patterns struck in 1896 as the Mint explored design alternatives ahead of no particular mandate — a routine exercise that produced dozens of documented die marriages that year. Most 1896 patterns survive in very small quantities, often fewer than a dozen specimens, struck on polished planchets exclusively for collector and presentation purposes. The Mint sold these directly to favored collectors, a practice that generated quiet revenue and considerable controversy by the 1880s and remained ethically murky through the end of the century.